Commander checks in to Foursquare from ISS

Emma Woollacott, 25th October 2010

International Space Station commander Doug Wheelock has become the first person to check in from space on Foursquare.

When he did so, he received a message revealing a new Foursquare badge: "You are now 220 miles above Earth traveling at 17,500mph and unlocked the NASA Explorer Badge! Show this badge and get a free scoop of astronaut ice cream," read the message.

The check-in marked the launch of a new partnership between NASA and Foursquare, allowing users to explore the universe and discover Earth.

There's also a completely customized homepage for NASA, where it will provide official tips and information about the nation's space program in locations throughout the US.

"Check-ins from around the world have been cool, but this blew my mind! We're psyched to partner with NASA to help users explore the space program and the universe," said Dennis Crowley, chief executive officer and co-founder of Foursquare.

When Wheelock completes his mission and returns to Earth at the end of November, the NASA Explorer badge will be available for Foursquare users to earn. They won't have to go all the way to the ISS to get it, but will simply have to check in to various places on earth, such as the Kennedy Center and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

"In the near future, explorers on earth who visit space-related places can also unlock the badge while learning about NASA history and the space program," says the company's Eric Friedman."When Expedition 26 docks later this year, we’ll be excited to welcome Commander Scott Kelly to the ISS, where he’ll be competing for perhaps the most elusive mayorship on Foursquare."